Nomenclature

This is a discussion on Nomenclature within the General Firearm Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; Aside from the 4 safety rules of gun handling, one of the first things a person learns, or should learn concerning firearms is the common ...

Nomenclature

Aside from the 4 safety rules of gun handling, one of the first things a person learns, or should learn concerning firearms is the common nomenclature. I have yet to find an instructor that uses improper words to describe specific parts on a firearm.

There's a reason for this: All parts have a specific name! A clip is different from a magazine and the terms are by no means interchangeable.

Even though that is true, there are still myriads of shooters using incorrect terminology when referring to specific parts of the weapon. And truly, when I see someone make a post referring to a "clip" instead of a magazine, it serves as a mental note to me that the person is either [a] ignorant of the part name [b] really thinks that a magazine is a clip, or [c] doesn't give a rat's hind end either way.

Most unfortunate is that some organizations that should know better interchange the two.

The common defense for using the term clip instead of magazine is, "well everyone knows what was meant". Really? If you need a set of tires, go to the tire store and tell the guy behind the counter that you need four new wheels and that you'll be back later to pick the vehicle up. He knew what you meant, right?

Is this a pet peave of mine? You bet. When I see someone incorrectly use the term it makes me think that they fall into one of the ABC categories above, and it instantly marks them in my mind as a newb ... no matter how long they claim to be a shooter. And really, if they have been shooting for a long period of time and still call a mag a clip, it only solidifies in my mind that they have had no professional training and I will interact with them accordingly or not at all.

Not to nit pick, but what you have labeled "Loading Clip" is what I have always known as an "En-bloc Clip", both in reference to Garands and bolt actions. Illustrating a Half Moon or Full Moon Clip would also be educational.

My guess is you are the "newb" to many that use the term clip and magazine interchangeably. The term clip for magazine was very common even into the late 70's in the military training. The true old time shooters will always know it as a clip. I think we all agree that if they ask for a clip for their 1911 that they are asking for another bullet box.

If you use the talking down to strategy trying to get someone retrained on non critical terminology you run a good chance of turning them off to any other training too. Not a good trade.

Relax, there are many other things that could use the nit picking much more.

Using the term is neither ignorant nor "doesn't give a rat's hind end either way" it was the way they were taught either via movies or the old school instructors. I've have had instructors with years of service use the term clip.

I have no problems understanding any student of mine that uses the term clip in place of magazine. I'm just happy they have enough interest to learn how to shoot.

Years ago the thingys that hold the bullets was called a clip. Sometimes it still is by me. I will try to change. The magazine use to be the big secure room that munitions were stored in. And all handguns use to be pistols. Now pistols are semi autos only. Who authorized revolvers to become non pistols without my consent.

I do understand the importance of proper nomenclature. On the other hand, language is ever changing. In common speech, I think it's OK for someone to say clip instead of magazine. I personally will never do it, but I don't let it bother me. The commonly accepted definition of a lot of words have been changing.

Being a fun-loving antagonist, I like to use clip just to elicit the "a clip goes in your hair, not in your gun" response.

Does language matter, you bet. But the point of correct language is to allow as many people as possible to understand. So, if you want to refer to the enclosed stack of cartridges/rounds/bullets as a clip, have at it.

Retired USAF E-8. Curmudgeon at large.Lighten up and enjoy life because:Paranoia strikes deep, into your life it will creep. It starts when you're always afraid... Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth

It really doesn't bother me all that much. After all, the name is the least important aspect of something. You could cal um "shrouded, constant feed, spring force, unidirectional, nested ammo reservoir" for all I care. That is SCFSFUNAR for short. :)